By Marnie Kunz,
Certified trainer and run coach

If you’re looking for the best hikes near NYC, this is my list of personal favorites that you can get to by transit. Whether you want to climb and see stunning mountain views, get in more daily steps, or escape the noise of the city for peaceful wooded trails, this list includes beautiful hikes within 2.5 hours of New York City. All of the hikes are well-known trails and many of them have a variety of distance options so you can customize your adventure.

Hiking Prep

Before you head out on your next hiking adventure, follow these tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time:

Know where you’re going. Have a trail map and itinerary for your day trip. AllTrails is a great resource for finding trail maps. Download the app so you can easily pull up your hiking trail map on the go.
Dress for the weather and pack what you need. Wear moisture-wicking layers and make sure you have enough protection from the elements. You may want to carry an emergency rain poncho and extra clothing in your bag. Also, bring water and some trail snacks.
Tell someone where you’ll be. If you’re hiking alone, let a trusted contact know where and when you’ll be hiking. You can even allow them to track your location using your phone if you want extra security.
Wear sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself from UV rays and from ticks, mosquitos, and other bugs.

Check out our Hiking Tips for Beginners for more information on what to pack and how to stay safe on your hikes near NYC (and anywhere else for that matter).

Best Hikes Near NYC

These are the best hikes near NYC for epic views and varied terrain. I first stumbled into many of these places by doing trail runs or races there. Later, I was able to return and put my hiking skills to the test. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced backpacker, you won’t want to miss these gorgeous hikes near NYC.

Van Cortlandt Park

Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx allows you to venture into nature without leaving New York City. The sprawling park is New York City’s third largest park, with a whopping 1,146 acres. The park has 14 miles of trails for hikers of all levels, from easy walks on paved trails to unpaved climbs.

Putnam Greenway trail offers a beginner-friendly hike that’s 4.1 miles on mostly paved, relatively flat trails. The trail is a popular place to see wildlife, as bird watching is common. The Putnam Greenway trail connects the Bronx and South County Trailway in Yonkers.

How to Get There: Take the NYC subway and hop on the 1 train heading Uptown to Van Cortlandt Park-242 Street station.
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 36 feet
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trails and must be leashed.
Good For: Beginning to intermediate hikers seeking a picturesque hike easily accessible from the city. Most of the trail is paved and navigable for wheelchairs and strollers, making it an accessible hike for different abilities.

Related Post: 25 Best Parks in NYC to Enjoy

Bear Mountain State Park

B ear Mountain State Park offers incredible panoramic mountain views and 50 hiking trails to suit all levels. My first experience at Bear Mountain was running the North Face Endurance Challenge race there, which was officially my first trail race, and I was hooked! The idyllic wooded trails include a variety of terrain, with streams, rocks, hills, and serene nature views. The mountain presents a hilly climb, making the views at the top all the more rewarding.

The most popular trail at Bear Mountain State Park is the Bear Mountain Loop Trail, which offers stunning views at the summit, where you can gaze out over the Hudson River and surrounding forests. The Bear Mountain Loop Trail is 3.7 miles long and is a challenging hike with climbing. Hikers can start the trail at the Suffern Bear Mountain Trailhead, which is located in Tomkins Cove, NY 10986.

How to Get There: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Peekskill Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Peekskill Station, take an Uber, taxi cab, or bus to Bear Mountain State Park. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes.

Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,145 feet
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trails and must be leashed.
Good For: Intermediate and advanced hikers seeking a challenging and scenic route with panoramic views.

Breakneck Ridge

Breakneck Ridge is a scenic mountain in Harriman State Park in the Hudson Valley between Beacon and Cold Spring, New York. The mountain offers one of the best hikes near NYC, with challenging, varied hiking and unforgettable views. If you like a good rock scramble, Breakneck Ridge is the perfect spot.

The Reeves Brook Loop Trail is a 3.6-mile loop that includes pristine streams, small waterfalls, and panoramic views hiking up to Chipmunk Mountain. Hikers recommend taking the trail counter clockwise for better scrambling. The Reeves Brook trail starts at the Reeves Meadow trailhead parking area in Harriman State Park.

How to Get There: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Breakneck Ridge Station.
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 866 feet
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trails and must be leashed.
Good For: Advanced hikers seeking a challenging and varied route with climbing.

Palisades Interstate Park in Englewood, New Jersey

Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey offers rugged cliffs, beautiful hiking trails, and immersion in nature just across the river from the concrete jungle of Manhattan. The park stretches about 12 miles long and half a mile wide, with 2,500 acres of wild Hudson River shoreline, uplands, and cliffs.

A popular hike in the Palisades is Shore Trail: Englewood Picnic Area to Fort Lee Historic Park. This 4.7-mile hiking trail is an easy out-and-back route with sweeping views of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge as well as natural views of waterfalls, cliffs, and forests. The trail can get crowded on weekends and during nice weather so go early or off-season to beat the crowds.

How to Get There: Take the A train heading Uptown to 175 Street then take the bus from GW Bridge Bus Terminal across the George Washington Bridge to New Jersey. You can then transfer to another bus or take an Uber to Englewood Picnic Area, at Henry Hudson Drive, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.
Distance: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 39 feet
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trails and must be leashed.
Good For: Beginning to intermediate hikers seeking immersion in nature while staying close to the city.

Storm King State Park

Storm King State Park includes 1,972 acres along the Hudson River in Orange County, New York. The park offers stunning views of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains and has a variety of hiking trails to suit all levels of hikers.

S torm King Mountain via Storm King Trail is a moderately difficult trail that is a 2.5-mile loop. It’s popular for hiking and trail running and leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. The trail includes some scrambling sections of climbing at the beginning and has rewarding breathtaking views at the summit. Advanced hikers have the option to extend the hike if desired.

How to Get There: From the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, take the ShortLine Hudson bus to Storm King Art Center. Storm King Art Center, which is near the trailhead, also offers train and bus packages from New York.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Vertical Gain: 629 feet
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trails and must be leashed.
Good For: A medium-level difficulty trail with incredible views. Art lovers can also enjoy the nearby Storm King Art Center.

Despite its concrete jungle, New York City is within a close distance to incredible hiking spots with mountains, waterfalls, and more. Have you been to any of the best hikes near NYC or are there any I missed? Follow and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your favorite hikes and get cheered on in your workouts.

If you need a training plan to help you hit your step goal or build your endurance, visit the Runstreet Training Center. We have personalized training programs that will help you elevate your fitness level and crush your goals.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer, USATF, and RRCA-certified running coach, and the creator of Runstreet Art Runs, which bring together communities through running and street art. She is a Brooklyn resident, trainer, Akita mom, and writer.

5 Best Hikes Near NYC with Incredible Views